MCASA's Mission & Work

Our vision is that Maryland will be a state free of sexual violence.
By working to fulfill our mission, we hope to one day see our vision realized.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help prevent sexual assault, advocate for accessible, compassionate care for survivors of sexual violence, and work to hold offenders accountable.

Our History

The Maryland Network Against Rape was renamed the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Inc. (MCASA) in 1982. The organization grew out of a widespread desire to better address the needs of women across the state. Originally formed by the 13 rape crisis centers that existed at that time, the MCASA Board of Directors was made up of representatives from each local program and an elected president.

Today, MCASA is the federally-recognized state sexual assault coalition. Its core members are the state’s 17 rape crisis centers, but MCASA also represents the voices of many other professionals and service providers working with sexual assault survivors, providing policy advocacy, technical assistance, training, outreach, and prevention. MCASA’s Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI), which was launched in 2004, provides direct legal services for victims and survivors of sexual violence. SALI also offers technical assistance and training for attorneys, rape crisis center staff and volunteers, and other professionals working with survivors. MCASA’s board has been diversified to include representatives from a variety of disciplines and jurisdictions.

Since 1993, provided testimony and other support in the passage of more than 50 significant pieces of legislation.

Launched the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI), the first ever of its kind in the state of Maryland, which has served more than 2,000 clients since its inception.

Launched the Maryland Women of Color Network to focus on issues impacting underserved and diverse populations.

Formalized program to support the state’s Sexual Assault Response Teams and Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner programs.

Held more than 200 trainings and conferences to support Maryland professionals including law enforcement, legal professionals, advocates, social workers, forensic nurses, and more.

Launched state-wide advocate training to standardize service delivery by victim advocates to survivors of sexual assault.

Developed resources and manuals including the SALI Law Manual, Identifying Legal Issues for Victims of Sexual Assault: A Checklist for Survivors, First Response to Sexual Assault: A Guide for Law Enforcement, and Ensuring Forensic Medical Exams for All Sexual Assault Victims.

Provided technical assistance to thousands of professionals, survivors, and members of the general public.

Distributed tens of thousands of pieces of literature statewide.

Our Work

Public Policy Activities

Monitoring public policy and encouraging a “victim-centered” approach.

Promoting justice for survivors and accountability for offenders through legislative advocacy.

Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI)

Offers technical assistance and produces training for attorneys, rape crisis and recovery center staff and volunteers, and other professionals working with survivors.

For more information, contact SALI at 301-565-2277, or toll-free at 877-496-SALI.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Your donation supports Maryland sexual assault survivors and their families through programs such as the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI), which offers free legal services, as well as our work to pass tough legislation that holds sexual assault offenders accountable for their crimes.